Local Foster Youth to Experience Unique Summer Camp

TAMPA, Fla. - July 13, 2015 - PRLog -- 14 local foster teens will participate in Eckerd’s “Camps for Champs” summer camp program.

These teens will have an opportunity to experience summer camp just like any other child. Eckerd Community Alternatives and the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), in partnership with local sponsors, will kick off the fourth annual Camp for Champions on July 15, 2015. Current and former foster youth ages 13 – 17 will spend three days attending Eckerd’s "Camp for Champs" camp while building their confidence and strengthening life skills.

The camp will give the 14 foster children from Pinellas and Pasco Counties three days of fun throughout the Tampa Bay area. On the first day, campers will explore Sunken Gardens, bring out their inner artist at Practically Pikasso, and dig into their artistic skills with glass blowing at the Morean Arts Center. On day two, campers will learn about careers in the media while touring a local television station followed by an afternoon of fun on the seas with a fishing trip off Clearwater Beach. On the final day, the campers will explore John’s Pass where they will go on a real-world outdoor treasure hunt.

Eckerd’s “Camp for Champs” summer camp is one of more than a dozen of Camps for Champions being organized for children in foster care throughout the State of Florida designed to build self-esteem, confidence, character and to strengthen life skills.

WHAT:          Camps for Champs summer camp

WHEN:          Wednesday, July 15 – Friday, July 17

WHERE:       Sunken Gardens, Practically Pikasso, Morean Arts Center, Channel 10 TV, Clearwater Beach and John’s Pass

WHO:          Current and former foster youth ages 13 – 17

About Eckerd:  Eckerd is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, that has given much-needed second chances to more than 168,000 children and families since its founding by Jack and Ruth Eckerd in 1968.  Eckerd serves over 18,500 children and their families each year through life-changing child welfare, juvenile justice and behavioral health programs in eight states.  Eckerd’s mission is to provide and share solutions that promote the well-being of children and families in need of a second chance.  To learn more visit www.eckerd.org. Follow us on Twitter at @eckerdyouth and “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/eckerdyouth